I is for Integrated Discharge Hospital Teams

Posted: Tuesday 11th July 2017

Craig Butcher is an Advanced Practitioner Social Worker who works as part of our Integrated Discharge Team based at Lister Hospital, Stevenage.

“It can be a challenging job, particularly when you’re working with people with high dementia needs, but it also can be very rewarding especially when you are trying to get people back home which has always been their wish.”

Craig’s role is to work in partnership with health professionals such as doctors, specialists, nurses and occupational therapists to support people who are ready to leave hospital.

The integrated discharge team carry out assessments with patients, their carers and families and using the information they receive along with the advice of health professionals will work to find the right solution to discharge them safely and quickly from hospital.

We receive round 8,000 referrals each year, meaning the Integrated Discharge Team support 22 adults a day to get back to health following a hospital admittance.

We make the necessary arrangements for additional support and care packages to be put into place; whether that’s to help someone to return home, to stay with family or move into temporary accommodation for period to fully recover or if they need to be discharged into a care setting such as a residential care home. We also look into issues around adult safeguarding that may become apparent in the hospital.

This partnership working with our colleagues in the health service is a great example of how we are aiming to quickly find the best outcomes for Hertfordshire resident’s who need a little extra support once they are well enough to be discharged.

As part of our #WorkingForYou A to Z, we are bringing you a different county council service each day, illustrating the wide range of services we provide and introducing you to the people who are working for you.